I love quirky museums, and there are many tucked away in Los Angeles. One is the Museum of Neon Art, which I discovered when I went to the Americana shopping center in Glendale.
Watch my short video walk-through of the museum
The Museum of Neon Art, also known as MONA, preserves, collects, and interprets both vintage and contemporary neon art. They also offer classes on how to create neon art and appreciate it as an art form. It is a small exhibit but well worth the admission price.
The History of Neon Art
Neon art first appeared in Paris in 1910 at the Paris Motor Show, although the technology was discovered as early as 1898. The first neon sign was installed on a barbershop in the Montmartre section of Paris and later decorated the Moulin Rouge and other venues.
Georges Claude introduced neon signs to the United States, where they appeared at a Packard car dealership in Los Angeles and have lit up businesses ever since. The Sunset Strip is a great example, as well as iconic landmarks along historic Route 66. One of my favorite neon signs in Los Angeles sits above the Frolic Room on Hollywood Blvd.
Neon Cruise Tours and Walks
The Museum of Neon Art hosts walking and bus tours of Los Angeles neon signage that take you through Glendale, Koreatown, Hollywood, the Downtown Los Angeles Theatre District, Chinatown, and other areas of the city. I haven’t done one of them yet, but it sure sounds fun!
You can book a MONA Tour here.
After you visit the museum, browse its cool gift shop. The museum is a non-profit, and sales help to fund the preservation of neon art and the museum.
The Museum of Neon Art is located at 216 S. Brand Blvd, Glendale, California 91204.
Where to stay
Click on the map below.
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